It's still a somewhat surreal experience for me to be reintroducing countries to our readership as and when they reopen to US travelers. We are in a phase where new countries across Europe are continually reopening and judging from our pattern of new inquiries, this is providing a trigger for clients to consider their 2022 travel plans. This is a wise move. We think that just like US National Parks and many US vacation spots for this summer, where there is now no availability, this could play out for a lot of Europe next year. Our advice...if you are now comfortable traveling, start work on your 2022 ideas now.
Austria and Germany were added to the list of open countries this week, and I am continuing my series of highlighting lesser known hotels and destinations, away from the main cities. Of course you should visit those famous places. Please don't miss Vienna, Salzburg, Munich or Berlin, but we love to create itineraries that also highlight the countryside and cultural elements you may miss out on otherwise.
Please enjoy this weeks hidden gems in Austria (below) and Germany.
Top 5 - Luxury Hidden Austria & Germany
At all of the properties below we are able to add exclusive Virtuoso amenities
1. Kristiania Lech Private Summer Edition, Lech am Arlberg, Austria (above and below)
Step into the creative world of mountain magic where vibrant contemporary art, captivating music, collectable textiles, exceptional furniture and late 60ties architecture are mixed with tailor-made service in the dazzling setting of the picturesque village of Lech, Austria.
Walking through the art gallery, lunching on the terrace or in the Schanigarten, skiing the perfect groomers or ski touring pristine valleys off the beaten track, drinking tea with a view to the sun-kissed mountain peaks, lazing in the spa, enjoying a lobster and chips in your room in the middle of the night, drinking a cocktail at the bar while listening to the DJ... This magical atmosphere reigns both day and night and all summer or winter long.
Our tip: Allow the hotel's reading butler to enhance your stay with a book from your literary bucket list.
2. Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa & Retreat, Elmau, Germany (above and below)
Experience the sounds of silence and rushing streams just 62 miles south of Munich in a magical sanctuary in the Bavarian Alps. Discover a luxury spa retreat and cultural hideaway beyond compare. Relax in six separate spas for adults and families, offering calm and serenity. Enjoy spa treatments and traditional Chinese medicine. Practice yoga, tai chi, qigong, and Pilates. Reenergize with unlimited sports in winter and summer. Kids can roam free or participate in edutainment and soccer camps. Feast on outstanding gourmet food, and listen as time is suspended time during classical and jazz concerts with the great artists of our time.
Our tip: Try a traditional Finnish sauna experience with a therapist who will use birch branches to get your circulation going and splash cold water on you.
3. Schlosshotel Kronberg, Kronberg, Germany (above and below)
Hideaway with history at the former summer residence of Empress Victoria, Schlosshotel Kronberg: Idyllically situated in the climatic health resort Taunus, known for its cultural and recreational value, nature and culture are only two reasons to visit this beautiful region. Guests are invited to switch off and experience first-class hospitality and European history at first-hand, while overlooking a spacious 58-hectare castle park, a rose garden, and 18-hole championship golf course. A destination on its own that combines seclusion and culture at its best.
Our tip: While culture lovers experience European history during a historical tour through the castle, connoisseurs are invited to explore the world of Prinz von Hessen wines, the hotel-owned winery.
4. Kempinski Berchtesgaden, Berchtesgaden, Germany (above and below)
Being in the mountains is the purest form of exploration, and the Bavarian Alps have always held an irresistible attraction. Conveniently nestled between Vienna and Munich, the property offers nearby access to Salzburg, an international favorite that’s just a 20-minute drive away. With ample use of local stone and wood in its design, the resort feels bright and bold, with an elegant simplicity that lets the alpine landscape yodel for itself. The 138 accommodations are ingeniously designed so that every room has a view. Additional advantages include a Michelin-starred restaurant, 15,000-square-foot Kempinski The Spa, and the Kids Club.
Our tip: Definitely consider this as a base to spend a day or 2 in Salzburg, Austria.
5.Schloss Fuschl, Hof Bei Salzburg, Austria (above and below)
The historic Schloss Fuschl's mission has always been to provide an unforgettable stay for every guest. The balance between tradition and modernity reflects itself in the unique collection of works by the old masters that characterize the Schloss Fuschl in its rooms, which are specially made to meet the particular needs of its guests. Enjoy a massage in the spa, play golf on the hotel-owned, nine-hole course (or any of the ten 18-hole courses nearby), take a chauffeured drive into the Austrian Alps, or catch trout at the castle fishery. Schloss Restaurant serves Austrian specialties and fish on the lakeside terrace.
Our tip: The hotel maintains a fleet of rare vintage cars. The concierge can help arrange personalized chauffeured drives in the Salzkammergut region.
I love travel and I love travel planning just as much and I am proud to be building a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts.We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.
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